The purpose of CDE

MOD is determined that front line forces will have the best battle-winning technologies for the future. At the Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE) we help you to understand the key defence challenges and how to develop an effective working relationship with us.

CDE is open to all organisations - large or small - whether new to the defence market or an established defence supplier. Innovators, entrepreneurs, universities, Small and Medium Enterprises and large companies can discuss ideas and find funding with the aim of improving the UK's military capability.

  • A first point of contact
    • Tell us about your research ideas and we can advise you on the most appropriate way forward.
  • Access to proof of concept funding
  • Rapid decision-making and an online application process
    • Low value proposals can be assessed in as little as 15 days which means you will not be waiting for months to find out if you will get funding.
    • Online tracking allowing you to follow the progress of your proposal.
    • We believe that a 'no' can often be as valuable as a 'yes'. So, if your ideas aren't suitable for our requirements we can help you understand why, and may be able to point you in an alternative direction.
  • Standardised contract conditions
    • We understand that legal issues can be expensive and cause delays. We have standardised contracts developed by the National Defence Industry Council and MOD. View our guide to Research Contract Terms and Conditions for more details.
  • Fair and reasonable Intellectual Property (IP) ownership
    • We consider the best person to exploit and develop an innovation is the inventor. Visit Intellectual Property Conditions for more details.
    • We will not seek, or are interested in an equity stake in your business.
  • Access to MOD trials and testing facilities (if applicable).

  • Mentoring and support
    • Technical advice before submitting a proposal.
    • Successful applicants are given a single point of contact within the MOD.
    • Access to technical support from MOD scientists and engineers.
  • Internal and external promotion of your innovation
    • We ensure that the right people inside MOD get to know of your ideas and assess their long term potential. These include military users, technical experts and programme managers in our Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation.
    • With your agreement, we can help promote your innovation to the relevant decision-makers in MOD, defence prime contractors and investors.
  • CDE events
    • Our exclusive networking events and workshops give you the opportunity to engage informally with investors, large defence contractors and MOD employees helping you to meet the right people. Please register on the website to attend these events.